OKI developed the first telephone in Japan more than 125 years ago. Today synonymous with printing solution, OKI has never stopped innovating in the telecoms field. In particular, its face and iris recognition technologies open up biometrics for mobile devices. Yutaka Asai, Chief Technology Officer at OKI, reviews for the Webzine the latest developments of OKI’s research related to security & mobility, and how they fit in the global strategy of the group.
OKI Group’s mission statement is to contribute to the realization of an “e-Society”. Could you tell us more about this vision?
Yutaka Asai - The vision of OKI’s e-society is a society full of ubiquitous services where all individuals can utilize services whenever and wherever in their desired style, and in a safe and reliable manner. We think this is a society where all customers’ and stakeholders’ dreams come true. The brand statement, “Open up your dreams,” is a promise of the OKI brand and our commitment to open the door to this society and help realize the e-society. As a whole, OKI deploys its businesses under this brand statement. This is, what we believe, the significance of OKI’s existence. We would like to build a trusting relationship with our stakeholders so they will believe that OKI can deliver, and can achieve more than expectation.
How does OKI take part into this e-society vision today?
Y.A. - In order to achieve the vision of e-society, OKI currently offers info-telecom systems, semiconductors and printers (1). These products adapt to the environment in which each individual is in, and offers services that meet the individual’s needs. This is in alignment with OKI’s corporate vision. In addition, we also offer broad scope of innovative product and solutions related to e-society: retail finance solutions offering services according to each customer’s life stage, life style and their behavioral psychology needs, contact center solution, mobile Banking Solution, SKiP Service (a kiosk terminal to enable users to board airplanes without checking in), a corporate social network service to enhance employee communication, hared-work assistant system for physically/mentally challenged teleworkers, disaster prevention system applying emergency earthquake breaking news…
How does OKI address the security concerns of the future e-society?
Y.A. - In the e-society, it is important to balance the convenience and reliability depending on the individual’s situation without a complicated operation. Some security topics OKI engages in: Offering secure wireless LAN environment by working with ARUBA NETWORKS, Biometrics technology (2) such as IRISPASS (iris recognition technology) and FSE (Face Sensing Engine, face image processing middleware for embedding), video monitoring systems using eVideo and behavior recognition technologies, high-speed address hiding function for NGN.
Let’s focus on mobile technologies. What is the track record of your embedded software expertise in the Japanese market? And overseas?
Y.A. - In Japan we provide FSE (Face Sensing Engine) to companies such as Nintendo for their Nintendo DS game software offered in the Japanese market, Nikon’s digital camera and Sharp’s mobile phone used at one of Japan’s largest telecom carriers, Softbank. For the overseas market, we have a track record in providing it to Korea’s mobile phone maker Pantech and Casio’s digital camera.
When do you expect to deploy the embedded software products you showcased at MWC Barcelona to the global market?
Y.A. - FSE is already deployed to the global market. Iris recognition for mobile terminals will be ready for commercialization to the global market in the second half of 2008.
What are the key enablers of this deployment?
Y.A. - The key is to establish strategic partnerships with companies that deploy camera modules etc. to the global market. Also, it is important to educate customers about face recognition technology, explaining some techniques on using facial recognition and offering various examples of applications with partners.
What would you expect from partners to enhance your mobile device solutions?
Y.A. - Mobile devices are used in a variety of situations, making it difficult to obtain stable images. We expect potential partners to possess skills in maintaining face recognition abilities under such environment.
According to you, how does biometrics recognition compare with other ID management technologies on the mobile phones? Complementary tool or replacement?
Y.A. - Compared to other biometric recognitions, iris method has an advantage of highly accurate recognition. That’s why we are currently planning to develop highly secured embedded systems, rather than replacing current technologies. Iris recognition has a much higher recognition rate compared to that of other contact-free methods such as face recognition or voice recognition. Therefore, it can be said that iris recognition is the only method that includes both contact-less function and high recognition rate.
Is your embedded software for mobile devices developed internally?
Y.A. - Yes, we develop them internally.
What are your researchers working on today?
Y.A. - The areas of OKI’s focus are: ubiquitous network technology including IP network systems, context awareness and mobile security technologies, voice/vide technologies, realistic sensation communication technologies, mechatronics technologies
Does the advance of the Japanese mobile market give you a competitive edge on the European research? Beyond technology and innovation, isn’t it rather a question of market acceptance?
Y.A. - Yes, we agree. In Japan’s mobile market, it is important to offer leading edge technologies to enable high functionality such as cameras, payment, audio and security. However, this alone will not be accepted in other markets. It is essential to fit into the market needs such as offering them in appropriate price, in a design that match personal tastes, and with elements besides functionality. How far are we from the achievement of a global e-society? Y.A. - This is a difficult question, but I believe we are still in the midst of achieving a global e-society. OKI has been conducting activities to achieve a global e-society for quite some time. We have made significant progress from the starting point, but we do think the goal is still far ahead.
